World Winners Cup Alanya 2026 is ready to kick off

The stage is set for the World Winners Cup Alanya 2026, as 48 clubs representing 31 countries across five confederations gather on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast for another exciting edition of the World Winners Cup. Featuring 32 men’s and 16 women’s clubs, the tournament brings together defending champions, experienced contenders and ambitious newcomers, all determined to make their mark on the world stage.

With teams completing their final preparations ahead of the opening matches, players and coaches have shared their expectations, highlighting the ambition and excitement surrounding this year’s competition.

English side Portsmouth Beach Soccer return to the World Winners Cup for their second appearance, having gained valuable experience during last year’s tournament in Catania, Italy. Manager Stephen Black, impressed by the facilities in Alanya, believes his team has a good opportunity to progress beyond the group stage.

Steven Black, Portsmouth Beach Soccer:

“This is our first time in Alanya, and it looks beautiful. The setup looks really good, with three pitches and stands surrounding them. We’ve got a good group this year, and we’re looking to get out of the group stage. We’ve gained valuable experience from tournaments in Portugal, Italy and Spain, and hopefully we can put that together and perform well here.”

Ukrainian champions Sunrise Kyiv also arrive with high expectations, with Glenn Hodel excited about competing alongside an experienced squad that includes several established Ukrainian players.

Glenn Hodel, Sunrise Kyiv:

“My expectations are always high. I always want to get the best out of every competition. I’m playing alongside a lot of experienced Ukrainian players, as well as a teammate from my own club, so I’m very excited.”

Japanese side Tokyo Verdy BS are equally determined to challenge for the title after missing out on championship glory last year. Marin Fujisawa believes the team’s return to the competition presents another opportunity to achieve their ultimate ambition.

Marin Fujisawa, Tokyo Verdy BS:

“I’m very happy that we have the opportunity to participate in the World Winners Cup again this year. Last year, we were unable to win the championship. This year, we are determined to work hard, win every match and achieve our goal of becoming world champions.”

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For American side NMD Beach Soccer, also known as Nomads, the tournament marks a significant milestone as the club makes its first international appearance together outside the United States. Ali Hall, who has been working alongside teammate Marissa to develop the club and promote beach soccer in America, believes the newcomers have everything to play for. The squad features an international mix of players, including talent from Japan, Russia and Italy, as NMD look to establish themselves on the world stage.

Ali Hall, NMD Beach Soccer:

“This is the first time NMD is making an appearance on the world stage. We’re very excited to begin our journey towards the world rankings. Don’t sleep on us! Just because this is our first tournament doesn’t mean we’re not ready to compete. We’re going to play with heart, and we have everything to fight for and nothing to lose.”

The reigning champions in the women’s competition, CD Higicontrol Melilla, arrive determined to defend their crown. Team Captain Andrea Mirón, who was named Most Valuable Player at the previous edition, believes the Spanish side has the quality and unity required to challenge for another title.

Andrea Mirón, CD Higicontrol Melilla captain:

“We are expecting a highly competitive tournament, and we are eager to show why we became champions in the previous edition. There is no pressure because, ultimately, we live for this. We know the quality of our team, and the best way to demonstrate that is on the pitch, staying united as one family.”

Among the teams hoping to challenge the defending champions are El Salvador’s Barra de Santiago, who face a difficult group that includes Higicontrol Melilla. Head coach Homer Velásquez remains confident that his side can compete against the tournament’s leading clubs.

Homer Velásquez, Barra de Santiago women’s head coach:

“Our objective is to finish at the top of our group and advance to the next stage. We know we have been drawn into a very difficult group, especially with Melilla, the number one team in the world, among our opponents. However, we have prepared well, and I am confident in the quality of our team.”

Brazilian club São Pedro, with Adriele Rocha targeting a place in the women’s final. The Brazilian player believes the team’s growing experience, physical preparation and unity will be important factors in their campaign.

Adriele Rocha, São Pedro:

“We are coming into a very strong competition, and I believe we are well prepared and focused. We want to reach the final and put in good performances. We are more experienced now, having played more matches, and the unity within our team is also very important.”

Ukrainian side BSC Partizanochka also arrive in Alanya with a special sense of purpose, as experienced player Anastasiia Klipachenko prepares for her third World Winners Cup appearance. A champion in 2023, Klipachenko is now representing the newly formed women’s club from Dnipro, determined to bring success and pride to her country amid the ongoing war.

Anastasiia Klipachenko, BSC Partizanochka:

“We are happy to be here at this tournament, representing Ukraine during perhaps the hardest time for our country because of the war. For us, it is important to stay on the sand for our country, for our people, and bring victories for them.”

With clubs from across the world bringing different experiences and ambitions to Alanya, the World Winners Cup 2026 promises another exciting chapter in international beach soccer. From defending champions looking to retain their titles to newcomers eager to announce themselves on the global stage, the competition offers an opportunity for teams to test themselves against some of the best.

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To find out more about the World Winners Cup Alanya 2026, visit beachsoccer.com.